Looking to buy a revolver for my wife

[DelFuego]

I am looking to buy a revolver for my wife. After purchasing a few different handguns, I have come to the conclusion that she can pull the trigger on all of them, but can't rack the slides on them most of the time. She has developed carpal tunnel and hence that is why I am on this forum asking you for advice. I have never handled a revolver and I don't know what features to look for. But, I want something ultra reliable, like my M&P 15-22 and my Glock 27, and a small grip.
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[DelFuego]

Also, as for the brand, I would like to stay with SW, but I am open to other options.

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[rattlesnakedaddy]

What is the intended purpose for the gun? General shooting, home, CCW...?


IMO, It's hard to go wrong with a j-frame in 38 Special if she is comfortable shooting the round. My wife has always liked the S&W Model 60 in .38 Special (I think later Smith modified them for 357 Magnum which I'm not a fan of). My choice would be for a S&W 442 or 642 (no external hammer) for a simple straight forward shooter. A model with exposed hammer can be nice for targets.

With more information, we might be able to narrow it down a bit. Hopefully you have a rental range or a friend nearby to have her try them out.

RSD

[baccusboy]

Something like a used police model 10.

See here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGcr5JsYcW0

[RonS]

New
For concealed carry a model 60, for home defense a Model 66, for fun a Model 67. Consider alternative grips to suit her hand.

If you/she likes Rugers then the 3" SP101 or 3" GP100 may suit her.

Used, 3" barreled K frame with 4" as an easier to find alternative. Again, you may need to change grips. This is the Glock 19 of revolvers, a nearly ideal balance for many users of power, capacity and size.

[Professor Brown]

Recently bought my wife a S&W 637 for the same reasons you mention. Not only does she have trouble with the slide, but also loading the magazines for pistols. She handles the 637 perfectly from loading to firing and now enjoys the sport. It's light and easy to use. The factory grips are small but you can get aftermarket grips (Houge, et al) which will provide an extra finger hold for stability.

[DelFuego]

Originally Posted by rattlesnakedaddy

What is the intended purpose for the gun? General shooting, home, CCW...?


IMO, It's hard to go wrong with a j-frame in 38 Special if she is comfortable shooting the round. My wife has always liked the S&W Model 60 in .38 Special (I think later Smith modified them for 357 Magnum which I'm not a fan of). My choice would be for a S&W 442 or 642 (no external hammer) for a simple straight forward shooter. A model with exposed hammer can be nice for targets.

With more information, we might be able to narrow it down a bit. Hopefully you have a rental range or a friend nearby to have her try them out.

RSD

It would be for general shooting, possibly for future CCW. I guess I can look for a range that has rentals.

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[fyimo]

I'd look at a Model 64 in stainless and it's a 38 special caliber with either a 4 inch barrel, Model 10 in 4inch Barrel, or a Model 18 22LR with a 4 inch barrel. All of these have fixed sights and fit into a purse and won't snag on the adjustable sights like on a Model 15. If she can handle the recoil on a snub nose the Model 64 comes with a 2inch barrel.
Model 18 with adjustable sights

Model 10 with 4 inch barrel

Model 64 snub nose

[BCDWYO]

Originally Posted by RonS

New
For concealed carry a model 60, for home defense a Model 66, for fun a Model 67. Consider alternative grips to suit her hand.

If you/she likes Rugers then the 3" SP101 or 3" GP100 may suit her.

Used, 3" barreled K frame with 4" as an easier to find alternative. Again, you may need to change grips. This is the Glock 19 of revolvers, a nearly ideal balance for many users of power, capacity and size.

Couldn't sum it up much better than Ron. K-frame will be easier to shoot well and probably more comfortable. J-frame will be easier to conceal. Only thing I'll add is to avoid the light-weight (alloy) J-frames. Recoil is worse. I too prefer S&W but the Ruger SP101 is a pretty strong second alternative.

[arjay]

Id go with a k frame shooting 38 specials.A j frame might be painful to shoot with cts.

[Mister X]

If used for home defense or CCW then a DAO revolver with a concealed hammer like the 642 makes a lot of sense, especially in the case of an unexperienced shooter since they are simply point and shoot.

In a real self-defense situation, you never want to cock a revolver to single action and a DAO enclosed hammer revolver removes that option, so no lawyer can argue that you cocked the gun creating a hair trigger. The enclosed hammer revolver can also be fired from inside a jacket pocket or a purse if need be and will still function if entangled in clothing, bedding or grabbed during a struggle.

[Ranger514]

There's been a lot of discussion about the J Frame, and I own a 642 that I love, but the stock trigger action is very heavy. It may not be the best choice for your wife unless, you either buy one that has had a trigger job done by an expert, or figure on having it done. Best to let your wife try out the guns at a shooting range where they rent different revolvers.

[Smith357]

First find the revolver that fits her hand well, and she likes, could be a Ruger SP, GP, S&W J, K, L or N frame, then figure out which caliber she likes and which grip style she comfortable shooting. Once you have taken her wants and needs into consideration make the selection. I'm lucky to have a few revolvers laying around for my wife to try, turns out she likes my Model 39-2 9mm Semi.

Edit: Her S&W Model 39-2

[GLL]

Let her try a 4" Model 66 but with a set of grips that best fit her hand !


Jerry

[Mister X]

Originally Posted by Ranger514

There's been a lot of discussion about the J Frame, and I own a 642 that I love, but the stock trigger action is very heavy. It may not be the best choice for your wife unless, you either buy one that has had a trigger job done by an expert, or figure on having it done. Best to let your wife try out the guns at a shooting range where they rent different revolvers.

That heavy trigger will be a benefit if she ever had to use it in a real defense situation. When adrenaline is pumping and hands are shaky(which they will be for everyone) that heavy DAO will feel like nothing. Also, shooting distances in civilian self-defense are extremely short ranges from contact/a few feet up to a maximum of a few yards. Longer range precision just aren't a reality. If you're shooting someone that's 25 yards away, it would not only likely be an unethical act, but would also probably land you in legal hot water.

I've not meet too many ladies that would carry a full size revolver and she should practice with what she plans to carry. And that exposed hammer/ability to cock to single action is a liability. Panic is likely to set in during a real self-defense situation and many people will automatically cock a revolver. Years ago, we had attempted break in. The Police arrived quickly and scared them off, but after it was over I noticed my Wife had cocked her model 60. She did so without even being aware of having done it and despite being trained to use it double action. I sold it and got her a 640 the next day.

[Lobster Picnic]

I like the original .38 Special Model 60 with the 1.875" barrel. Works well for home defense or carry.

If just for home defense, a 4" Model 10, 64, or 67 in .38 Special. Load it with+P ammo.

If for concealed carry, the hammerless Centennial models work best, so either a .38 Special 642, or if the recoil is too much, consider the .22 Magnum 351C or try Hornady's 90-gr defensive ammo in .38 Special, which is low recoil and comes in a pretty pink box.

[A10]

My wife likes het olt Taurus 85, it's been a pretty good gun, all I needed to do was put a set of jframe goodyears on it and replace springs once. I wouldn't recommend a new one though, it seems like their quality has gone down. Model 60-1 has a 3" barrel, that might be a good choice, or as others have said a good used Model 10 or 65...I'm kinda partial to stainless guns for CCW.

[jimmyj]

Smith and Wesson "K" Frame .38 SB or RB, 2-4 inch barrel.

[GLL]

We sometimes underestimate a woman's ability to handle a larger revolver !

Model 625 .45Colt


Jerry

[spad124]

DelFuego, If I understand correctly, your wife isn't very familiar with handguns? If so, I'd suggest contacting a CCW instructor and seeing if the instructor would allow your wife to try a number of revolvers. Let her decide what she likes and can handle. For example I like my K and L frames- all either 4 or 6 inches- but my wife likes her 6.5 inch .357 Blackhawk.

An hour with a CCW instructor will be very helpful and save you from maybe trading a bunch of guns until she finds one that she likes. Your LGS can probably recommend an instructor. I have friends that work at LGSs, but the goal at a LGS is to sell the highest margin gun they can. I don't blame them, just have to realize what their goal is.

My personal opinion is that it is easier for a person who has no or little experience to learn to shoot a 4-6 inch K frame than a 1 7/8 J frame. Once a person develops a good grip and good trigger control with a K, those skills will transfer to smaller framed revolvers. You might consider buying a K frame now and once she is comfortable with it and shooting well, find a J frame if that is what she decides she wants- or needs.

[GLL]

Originally Posted by spad124

.... My personal opinion is that it is easier for a person who has no or little experience to learn to shoot a 4-6 inch K frame than a 1 7/8 J frame.....

I agree !
That is the very reason I suggested the 4" Model 66.

Jerry

[Kensterfly]

My bride and I have been going through this process. She's not real keen on guns and shooting but did take the CHL class with me, and two of her lady friends, last weekend. I have a 10-5 four inch and a 10-5 snubby. She chose the square butt four inch for the shooting qualification and scored 226/250. I thought that was very good. I figured she'd go for the somewhat lighter RB snubby. She keeps the four incher in her bedside table. The snub is going to be my carry. I think she'd like a Model 12 or maybe a 37 for her carry. Her friend has a M12 and my wife has shot it. She acknowledges the extra kick of the airweight over the 10-5s but as a carry tool, an air weight would work better for her. (She can practice, mostly, with the 10-5s.) IF I can ever convince her to carry it at all. She doesn't mind having a larger gun in the car but does not want to carry it. In the mean time, she doesn't mind carrying a NAA Mini .22 Magnum. I've given her some training with it. We both feel better with her having something in purse or pocket.

If you want to stay with Smiths (and I know I do!), I firmly believe in a K frame for home and range. A J frame for carry.

[GerSan69]

Here's my wife's 36-1, with the girl-specific pink Hogue grips. Gave it to her for Christmas a couple years ago and she loves it! Shoots it well, too.

[Chuter]

In S&W a 64 is very nice. It can do some fun plinking and with the 2" barrel, great for CCW. My wife has two Colt Detective Specials for CCW. Another female friend has both a 64 and a DS. The .38 cartridge is very versatile and effective.

[oldafsp]

Originally Posted by GLL

We sometimes underestimate a woman's ability to handle a larger revolver !

Model 625 .45Colt


Jerry

My wife during requals in 1994 with her issue 686 4 inch. She wore the Distinguished Pistol Expert bar on her uniform for 22 years. The bullseye targets were used for ranking purposes and not general qualification.



Her carry gun is this Model 65-3 that I gave to her when she was promoted to Sergeant in 1987.

[amazingflapjack]

I suggest the Beretta model 21-a. It has features that will work with your situation, including: small size, high quality, light weight, double/single action, and a "flip up" barrel that makes it very easy to operate.

[chuck8388]

I am a S&W fanatic especially K frame 3in. barreled guns I would try real hard to find one to try. The model 10,64,65,66 come to mind. If money is a issue I would suggest the Ruger SP101 it does everything you are looking for very well.

[baccusboy]

Youtube has several great ccw for women videos. This is one. She says in one of her videos that the LCR is painful to shoot:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ogGBPVk5GQk

[Kensterfly]

The J frame will be a pain to shoot when you're doing 50 rounds at the range. Shooting five in five seconds in an attack will never be noticed.

[DelFuego]

First off, thanks for all of the information. I didn't realize how many revolvers were on the market. I looked up a 642 that someone mentioned in this thread and went to 2nd Amendment Sports in Palm Desert, Ca and found a 642LS "Lady Smith" there. My wife fell in love with it because it fit her hand so well and was light as heck. I used to think my Glock 27 was light! She is looking forward to getting it and not having to struggle to load it or have to rack a slide. I've never seen her so excited. I didn't buy it right there and then because I wasn't sure if they had the best pricing.

Something that I forgot to mention is that it is a very nice looking gun and I wouldn't mind owning one myself too, except I would buff off the Lady Smith designation.

[Kensterfly]

Is the 642LS operationally or mechanically different from the regular 642?

[lhump1961]

"Something that I forgot to mention is that it is a very nice looking gun and I wouldn't mind owning one myself too, except I would buff off the Lady Smith designation."

I can understand the "Lady Smith" script isn't for everyone but as for me I figure if I am willing to have a beautiful lady on my arm I am sure willing to have one on my hip! A revolver is all business regardless...Lady Smith or not.

The 642 is a great gun in either variation. I won't be parting with my 3" 65LS any time soon and it's every bit .357 just like the others although I would like to add the standard 3" 65 to the safe some day as well.

Be sure to post when you have made your choice and please include pics!

[flagman1776]

Personally, I think a 3" K frame Magnum is the best all around choice. I'd practice with Standard Velocity 38's & +P for defense. The heavier Magnum barrel will better soak up recoil. Try grips until she finds some that fit her hands... it makes all the difference.

That said, I was brought up with the 39-2 9mm. There are several newer generations of these & the heavier SS frames are easier to shoot. Fits hands very well & easy to shoot. She might surprise herself.

[CH47gunner]

As soon as she shot it she decided that it was hers.
Wifey liberated this Model 60 for her own - fits her hand & with 125gn JHP's, it's very manageable.

[DR505]

This is a decent choice, a 4" Model 67:

My wife is petite with very small hands, but handles large firearms fairly well. She shoots my .45 ACP 5" 1911's very well. Her duty/issue weapon is a Glock 17, but she has carried Glocks and Sigs in .40 as well. As for revolver, the K-Frames suit her best.

[rattlesnakedaddy]

Originally Posted by DelFuego

Something that I forgot to mention is that it is a very nice looking gun and I wouldn't mind owning one myself too, except I would buff off the Lady Smith designation.

Nothing wrong with the 'Lady Smith' logo on the side. My first pistol was a 65-5LS. I didn't mind the logo, just the smooth rosewood grips. Later models got the larger RB rosewood grips with finger grooves, which were much better, but I carried it for years with a set of modified hogues.

[Kensterfly]

I'd rather have "Lady Smith" on the side that "Gun Smoke."

[Edmo]

Originally Posted by DelFuego

It would be for general shooting, possibly for future CCW. I guess I can look for a range that has rentals.

I highly recommend you take your own advice and find a range with rentals.

Sometimes the small & light guns become less appealing when they actually shoot them.

My wife never wants to shoot or carry her J frame model 60 anymore, but loves her GLOCK 26 in 9mm. Both my wife and daughter would much rather shoot any of my 9mm autos than a 38 Special snubbie any day. They dislike the snubbie's sharper recoil and short sight radius (hard to aim) and can run an auto just fine.

So back to the idea of finding a range with rentals. You might save some time and money with a trip or two to the range. Despite what we think they would like to shoot, our women generally will have a different opinion that will change several times.

Good luck with your choice.

Edmo

[growr]

Racking the slide can be very simple and very easy to do with a little bit of instruction. I have had 90 year old ladies with quite arthritic hands as well as 9 years with NO idea do so with ease.

If you are right handed....hold the slide stationary with the LEFT hand and simply (briskly) push OUTWARD with the right....you are now using your natural strengths.

Most people try to hold the frame stationary and pull the slice back with thier weakest hand (left) and then wonder why they struggle.

So that there is no misunderstanding....I also love revolvers and if that is what your lady chooses because she likes it and it fits HER great.

I have seen far too many well meaning guys try to pick out what WE think she needs not what she likes be it a revolver or autoloader....

This comes from being an instructor for many years and having seen this scenario play out thousands of times.

Randy

[Jim PHL]

One of the best things about S+W J- and K-frame revolvers is the vast assortment of available grips. She may like it now, she may love it when you find the perfect grips for her.

[walkin' trails]

I agree with everyone else who suggested some time with various rental revolvers, or hook up with other shooters who have them. The J or K frame, or even Ls have their benefits for shooters, and the newer Ks should all be round butts which will provide a greater selection of grips that fit her hand. Triggers can be massaged, but I would avoid any DA trigger jobs that drop the pull weight below eight pounds. The alloy framed Js are not pleasant to shoot, even with good grips, especially for someone suffering from hand/wrist/forearm injuries. Steel frames such as a Model 60 three inch offer a bit more weight to dampen recoil.

The Colt D frame was probably the best sized, most versatile revolver for smaller hands and had a great trigger, but they're hard to come by anymore and the prices are inflated - saw a NIB Diamondback inch recently and the seller was asking two grand. I used to thing it was outrageous fir them to ask $700... The Beretta 21s are great little guns with tip-up barrels for ease of loading. Taurus also makes a version. Beretta used to make a larger 22 on their 380 frame that I believe also used a tip up design, but I haven't seen one for years.

[wrangler5]

DelFuego - if you haven't already made the purchase, be aware of the experience of MANY of us who have bought guns for our girls: the one they love in the store is very often NOT something they love after they've put a box (or less - sometimes a lot less) of ammo through it. If she's OK with your G27 except for racking the slide, then the recoil of a light revolver is something she should be able to handle.

But if she's not used to recoil, has carpal tunnel, and CCW is only a future possibility, I suspect she'll get a LOT more long term enjoyment out of a K frame. A round butt 3" 65 is my current favorite, but I think any 3 or 4 inch K frame would probably be a better place to start than a 642. (I say this as one who carries a 642 or a 638 every day and has shot both extensively for several years.)

If you do go with the 642, I'd strongly suggest you consider a Crimson Trace 305 laser grip for it. It's long enough to get 3 fingers on it and has padding over the backstrap. It makes the gun too big for most pockets, but not too big to conceal under most loose garments. The biggest benefit, though, is the fantastic training she'll be able to get with snap caps - tighten up the grip, strengthen the trigger finger, at no cost for ammunition and no impact on the bones and joints. (I started with the thinner, shorter 405 laser grip, which is more concealable, but not nearly as pleasant to shoot with. I wish I'd started with the 305.)

[rwsmith]

I'm just glad to see that you are looking at revolvers as a choice.

[DelFuego]

Originally Posted by wrangler5

DelFuego - if you haven't already made the purchase, be aware of the experience of MANY of us who have bought guns for our girls: the one they love in the store is very often NOT something they love after they've put a box (or less - sometimes a lot less) of ammo through it. If she's OK with your G27 except for racking the slide, then the recoil of a light revolver is something she should be able to handle.

But if she's not used to recoil, has carpal tunnel, and CCW is only a future possibility, I suspect she'll get a LOT more long term enjoyment out of a K frame. A round butt 3" 65 is my current favorite, but I think any 3 or 4 inch K frame would probably be a better place to start than a 642. (I say this as one who carries a 642 or a 638 every day and has shot both extensively for several years.)

If you do go with the 642, I'd strongly suggest you consider a Crimson Trace 305 laser grip for it. It's long enough to get 3 fingers on it and has padding over the backstrap. It makes the gun too big for most pockets, but not too big to conceal under most loose garments. The biggest benefit, though, is the fantastic training she'll be able to get with snap caps - tighten up the grip, strengthen the trigger finger, at no cost for ammunition and no impact on the bones and joints. (I started with the thinner, shorter 405 laser grip, which is more concealable, but not nearly as pleasant to shoot with. I wish I'd started with the 305.)

My wife is not that old, she is just North of 30 and she does like to go shooting. She shoots my 15-22, most of my handguns, and on occasion shot a shotgun. But, racking the slide is what gives her problems with all of them. If the gun is loaded with a round in the chamber, she does okay. But, she wants to be able to shoot something that she can fully manipulate, load, and is not too heavy. Plus, she is now thinking of self/home defense because one of her friends was at the losing end of a home-invasion about a month ago.

The one thing I had not thought about was the fact that revolvers have more recoil than semi-autos. So, before we put the money down on the Lady Smith 642 we will rent one at a range to see how she handles a revolver. I am hoping to get it within the next week or so.

Again, thanks for all the help.

[spad124]

The recoil for any given round will be the same regardless if the round is fired in a semi auto or a " locked breach" firearm like a revolver. The difference is that the semi stretches out the recoil over time as it ejects and loads, the locked breech transmits the recoil directly to the shooter over a shorter period of time. The semi also absorbs some of the energy from the fired round into the recoil spring. That is why my semi 12ga shoots "softer" than my 870 with the same ammo and when both guns weigh about the same.

But, still I'm glad your wife is going to try out revolvers at the range.

[BE Mike]

You really need to let her decide what she can handle and what she likes. Too many guys push guns on their gals. I offered my wife a 642 with Apex kit and Crimson Trace laser grips, but she preferred a model 60 with rubber Uncle Mike grips and factory trigger.

[ejhc11]

Read this DelFuego, maybe your wife can rack a slide with a different technique.
Rack the Slide | Cornered Cat

[Lobster Picnic]

If recoil is too stout for her with the 642, there are some light recoiling defensive rounds that might work well for her.

[fdw]

My wife carries the Ruger LCR in 22 (8 shot). She is very comfortable with it and shoots it extremely well. I have the LCR in 38 which can handle +p also.

Both have great triggers... rent a number of guns if you can.

[rglassma]

I have a recent model 60 with the hammer, and I love the gun. It is small enough for CCW but light enough and easy enough the work with for a person with small hands, and not alot of strength in their hands and arms.

I use mine almost entirely with 38 spc rounds, but have shot many +P (manageable) and 357 (a bit much) rounds.. I would rather have the hammer for SA use.

Highly recommended.